Syracuse Lets One Slip Away in OT Loss to Boston College
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - For more than 33 minutes on Saturday, Syracuse looked like the better team. They controlled the tempo, held the lead, and had multiple chances to put Boston College away. But in the end, it was the Eagles who made the plays when it mattered most - and the Orange who left Conte Forum with a frustrating 81-73 overtime loss.
This one stings for Syracuse. Not just because it snapped a three-game ACC win streak or because it dropped them to 12-6 overall (3-2 in conference), but because it was a game they had in hand.
Up by multiple possessions for most of the night, the Orange couldn’t close the door, and Boston College - gritty, resilient, and opportunistic - made them pay. It’s also Syracuse’s second loss in Quadrant 3 play, which could loom large come March.
Let’s break it down.
Turnovers, Missed Chances, and a Clutch Shot
Syracuse’s undoing came from a combination of self-inflicted wounds and timely execution by the Eagles. The Orange turned the ball over 18 times - double what BC gave up - and those mistakes turned into 22 points the other way. That’s the kind of stat that flips games, especially on the road.
Even with the miscues, Syracuse had its chances to put this one away. They led by as many as nine early and kept BC at arm’s length for much of the night.
But the Eagles never went away. Donald Hand Jr., who had been cold most of the game, hit the game-tying three with seven seconds left in regulation.
That shot sent it to overtime - and gave BC all the momentum.
In the extra period, the Eagles outscored Syracuse 17-9. They punched first and never looked back.
Kingz Shines, Freeman Battles
If there was a bright spot for Syracuse, it was Nate Kingz. The guard was electric, dropping a career-high 27 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including a scorching 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Every time BC made a push, it seemed like Kingz had an answer - whether it was a deep three or a tough drive to the rim.
Donnie Freeman was a force on the glass and in the paint, finishing with a double-double: 19 points and 14 rebounds. But his game was a mixed bag. Alongside the production came seven turnovers, and he missed a crucial one-and-one in the final seconds of regulation that could’ve sealed the win.
J.J. Starling added 12 points, and Naithan George hit a pair of big threes early to help spark the offense.
A Game of Runs
The first half was a rollercoaster. Syracuse jumped out early behind a quick 8-0 run, capped by a Freeman and-one that gave them a nine-point lead.
But the offense sputtered after that, going more than five minutes without a field goal. BC took advantage, clawing back with free throws and a three from Chase Forte to take its first lead.
Still, Syracuse closed the half strong. Starling’s steal and dunk, a Kingz triple, and a late Freeman drive gave the Orange a 33-28 lead at the break. Freeman led all scorers with 10 points and 8 boards in the half.
The second half started with balance - three different Orange players scored on the first three possessions. But again, BC wouldn’t go away.
Fred Payne was the engine, scoring seven straight to keep the Eagles close. He finished with 26 points, leading the way for BC.
Every time Syracuse tried to pull away, BC responded. A Kingz three would give the Orange a cushion, only for BC to tie it up again. A Freeman bucket would push the lead, only for Hand Jr. or Jayden Hastings to answer.
With under two minutes left, Syracuse led by four. Then came the late-game breakdown.
A Freeman miss at the line. A defensive lapse on the final possession.
And Hand Jr., just 2-of-8 from the field at that point, drilled the biggest shot of the night.
Overtime Belonged to the Eagles
Once the game hit OT, BC flipped the switch. Aidan Shaw and Forte scored the first four points.
Hastings threw down a dunk. Hand Jr. added another bucket.
Suddenly, Syracuse was down six - their largest deficit of the night - and scrambling.
Kingz tried to keep them in it, hitting a couple more shots to cut it to three, but the damage was done. BC hit their free throws down the stretch and closed it out.
What’s Next
Syracuse returns home to the JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday night to face Virginia Tech (14-5, 3-3). It’ll be their second Quadrant 2 matchup of the season - and an important opportunity to bounce back.
For the Orange, the formula is clear. They’ve got the talent.
Kingz is emerging as a legit scoring threat. Freeman is a double-double machine.
But to take the next step, they’ll need to tighten things up - especially in crunch time. Because in the ACC, letting winnable games slip away can come back to haunt you.